Monday, 24 August 2015

This ball shrapnel round is fired only from the 76mm regimental gun (howitzer) M1943. The M1943 is obsolete in the Soviet Army, but it is standard in the Polish, Bulgarian, Czechoslovak, and Albanian Armies and may also be found in Rumania and Yugoslavia.

The illustrated round is not interchangeable with standard ammunition used in other 76.2mm weapons. Its projectile contains about 260 lead balls, each 12.7mm (0.5 inch) in diameter and weighing 11g (0.39 ounce), and a small black powder bursting charge.

The T-6 and 22PG fuzes are used with the Sh-354 projectile in this round. *As a component of other complete rounds, however, the Sh-354 projectile also has been found with 22-sec, 22P, and D fuzes.

*Note. The dimensions and markings on the cartridge case in the above illustration have not been verified.

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs approximately 58kg (128 lbs). This ammunition may also be found in a 6-round box weighing 70kg (154 lbs), or in an 8-round box weighing 94kg (207 lbs).

76mm Complete Round, Fixed, Shrapnel, USh-352

This Soviet ball shrapnel round is fired from the 76mm mountain gun (howitzer) M1909. Its projectile contains about 260 lead balls, each 12.7mm (0.5 in) in diameter and weighing 11g (0.39 once), and a small black powder bursting charge.

The 22PG fuze is used with the Sh-354 projectile in this round. As a component of other complete rounds, however, the Sh-354 projectile also has been found with 22-sec, 22P, T-6, and D fuzes.

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs approximately 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition also may be packed in a 6-round box weighing approximately 70kg (154 lbs), or in an 8-round box weighing approximately 94kg (207 lbs).

Its
projectile is filled with metal shrapnel balls and a small
explosive bursting charge (probably black powder). The 22PG fuze, with cap, is used with the Sh-354G projectile in this round.

The complete rounds USh-354 with Sh-354 projectile using a 22P or 22PG fuze, USh-354T with a Sh-354T projectile using a T-6 fuze, and USh-354U with a Sh-354U projectile using a 22PG or T-6 fuze are variants of the illustrated round. These variants are basically the same as the USh-354G and are fired from the same weapons.

Characteristics

Caliber: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: 9.05kg (19.81 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.6kg (14.51 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 0.9kg (1.98 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Ball shrapnel and explosive

Weight of projectile explosive filler: 0.085kg (0.187 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs about 58kg (128 lbs). This ammunition may also be found in 6-round wooden boxes weighing about 70kg (154 lbs), or in 8-round wooden boxes weighing about 94kg (207 lbs).

76mm Complete Round, Fixed. Shrapnel, USh-356

This ball shrapnel round is fired from the 76mm mountain gun (howitzer) M1938. Its projectile contains about 260 lead balls, each 12.7mm (0.5 inch) in diameter and weighing 11g (0.38 ounce), and a small black powder bursting charge.

The fuzes known to be used with the Sh-354 projectile in this round are the 22-sec fuze and the 22PG fuze. As a component of other complete rounds, however, the Sh-354 projectile also has been found with 22P, D, and T-6 fuzes.

The complete round USh-356T, with a Sh-354T projectile using a T-6 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round. It is fired from the same weapon and, except for the different fuze and markings, is almost identical to the USh-356 in external appearance.

This ammunition is packed in wooden boxes containing five rounds. The gross weight of the packed wooden box is about 60kg (132 lbs).

76mm Complete Round, Fixed, Shrapnel, USh-361

This bar shrapnel round is fired from the obsolete 76mm anti-aircraft guns M1931, M1931/33, and M1938. Bar shrapnel was originally intended for fire against aerial targets, but it has been replaced by the fragmentation shell for this purpose.

The Sh-361 projectile contains a filler of 48 metal bars and a small black powder bursting charge.

This canister round is fired from the
76mm regimental gun (howitzer) M1927; division guns M1902/30, M1936
(F-22), M1939 (USV), M1942 (ZIS-3); tank guns M1927/32, M1938/39 (L-11),
M1939 (F-32), M1940 (F-34), M1941 (ZIS-5); and self-propelled gun
M1942/43 (SAU-76). All of these weapons except the M1942 and M1942/43
are obsolete in the Soviet Army. Canister fire is used exclusively against exposed personnel at short ranges of not over 300 meters (327 yards).

The Shch-350 projectile in this round consists of a light case (usually made of cardboard) containing 549 shrapnel balls of a lead and antimony composition. Each ball has a diameter of 12.7mm (0.5 inch) and weighs 10.8g (0.381 ounce). The case breaks upon leaving the muzzle of the gun, and the balls scatter in the manner of shotgun pellets.

No fuze is used with the Shch-350 projectile.

Characteristics

Caliber: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: ?kg (? lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.23kg (13.7 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ?kg (? lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Ball shrapnel (549 shrapnel balls)

Weight of projectile filler: 5.93kg (13.05 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs approximately 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition may also be packed in a 6-round wooden box weighing about 70kg (154 lbs), or in an 8-round wooden box weighing about 94kg (207 lbs).

Thursday, 20 August 2015

This round is used interchangeably with the 14.5mm AP-I round B-32 cartridge, in the Soviet shoulder-fired antitank rifles PTRS-1941 (Simonov) and PTRD-1941 (Degtyarev).

This steel-jacketed bullet differs from the Type B-32 in that it has a flat base and a tungsten carbide core and in that it is considerably shorter. The incendiary composition is placed in the nose of the jacket, forward of the core, as in the Type B-32.

This bullet was designed in 1941 in an effort to increase the combat effectiveness of the shoulder-fired antitank rifles. Even with its slightly increased penetration capability, it has only limited use against modern armor.

The red bullet with black tip and the black primer are identifying color markings.

Two hermetically sealed galvanized-metal containers are packed in a wooden box, as illustrated above. Each metal container has 42 cartridges packed loosely in rows with strips of paper between each row and the cartridge heads alternately positioned in opposite directions. The wooden packing box has a total of 84 cartridges.

Wooden packing boxes also have been reported to contain 80 cartridges of this type and caliber. The wooden packing box for this cartridge is identified by the black-painted ends, black edges on the ends of the cover, two broken, black concentric circles, and the Russian symbol БС-41 (BS-41) immediately following the caliber size.

The metal container can be identified by the two broken, black concentric circles and by the Russian symbol БС-41 (BS-41) after the caliber size.

This round, with a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge case, is used in the Soviet 14.5mm antitank rifles PTRS-1941 (Simonov) and PTRD-1941 (Degtyarev), which were employed extensively by the Soviet Army against lightly armored vehicles, as well as against light and medium tanks, during World War II.

The brass cartridge case is secured to the bullet by a continuous rolled crimp at the mouth. The streamlined steel-jacketed bullet has a hardened steel core and an incendiary composition in the nose.

The round was designed to combat light and medium tanks within a range of 500 meters (547 yards) and to ignite inflammable material behind the armor. Its usefulness against modern armor is limited.l At a range of 100 yards, this cartridge will penetrate 1.5 inches of homogeneous armor plate at normal.

The black tip and red band on the bullet are identifying color markings.

The packaging for this round is identical with that for rounds of 7.62mm and 12.7mm caliber. A hermetically sealed metal container holds 40 cartridges packed loosely in rows, with strips of paper placed between each row, and with the heads alternately in opposite directions. Two such containers are placed in a wooden box, making a total of 80 cartridges per box. Wooden boxes of this type also have been reported to contain 84 cartridges, 42 in each of the 2 metal containers.

Both the metal and the wooden for this cartridge bear the Russian symbol Б-32 (B-32) immedietaly following the caliber size, as well as a black and red stripe.

I should take this moment to mention once again that the data these entries (Soviet Explosive Ordnance) are taken from a 1953 Technical Manual on the subject. Therefore, it is possible that inaccuracies exist. Any evidence that contradicts this information from a more recent source would be greatly appreciated, to help make these posts more accurate.

Mortar Ammunition

Soviet mortar ammunition is similar, in most respects, to the mortar ammunition of other nations. The shells are teardrop-shaped, are stabilized in flight by metal fins, and use point-detonating fuzes. This ammunition for smooth-bore weapons uses a propelling charge adjustable for desired ranges, consisting of ring-shaped or boat-shaped propellent increments and shot shell type of ignition cartridge. The ring-shaped propellent increments are placed around the fin shaft; the boat-shaped propellent increments are inserted between the fin vanes, and the ignition cartridge is inserted into the fin shaft base.

Soviet mortar ammunition is cheap, easy to manufacture, and has an extremely high percentage of explosive content. Types of mortar ammunition known to be in use are: fragmentation, high-explosive, fragmentation high-explosive, smoke, leaflet, incendiary, chemical, and illuminating.

Soviet mortar ammunition is manufactured in the following calibers: 82mm for the battalion mortar, 107 for the mountain-pack regimental mortar, 120mm for the regimental mortar, and 160mm for the divisional mortar. The 160mm is the largest mortar used by any present-day (1953) army. Within the Soviet Army, 107mm mortars and ammunition probably will be found only in moutnain units. 107 mortars and ammunition also are known to have been issued to several Satellite nations. During World War II the Soviets used a 50mm mortar, but they are believed to have discontinued use of the weapon because of its short range, unsatisfactory fragmentation effect, and inaccuracy.

Indications are that lack of uniformity in Soviet propellants necessitates considerable preparation of ammunition before firing. It is mandatory that the ammunition for each mortar be pre-selected and sorted by lots, weight marks, and matching charges. Such a selection tends to reduce the dispersion caused by the varying lots of propellant.

The marking and packaging of Soviet mortar ammunition are very similar to those of their artillery ammunition, described previously. 82mm mortar rounds usually are packed in wooden boxes containing 10 complete rounds, or in 3-round metal "combat" boxes, which are easily transported by man-pack to the weapon site. 107mm and 120mm rounds are packed in two- and four-round wooden boxes. The method of packing 160mm mortar rounds is not known, but owing to the weight of the round, single round containers probably are used. Hermetically sealed containers are used for the storage of charges until just before their use.

Markings on the side of the brass base, or on the closing disc, of the ignition cartridges indicate the type of propellant, the lot number, the year of assembly, and the assembly plant for the cartridge.

82mm Mortar Shell, Frag, O-832

This fragmentation mortar shell, O-832, is fired from the various 82mm battalion mortars. The complete round consists of five components: (1) A point detonating fuze, (2) a cast iron shell body, (3) a fin assembly, (4) an ignition cartridge, and (5)﻿ propellant increments which can be adjusted for zone firing.

The shell body may be filled with TNT, a mixture of amatol and TNT, or a mixture of Schneiderite and TNT. The tail assembly stabilizes the shell in flight; it consists of a hollow shaft for the ignition cartridge, and six fins which are spot-welded to the shaft. Slots in the fins hold the boat-shaped propellent increments in place. Perforations or flash holes in the tail shaft, between the fins, permit the flash from the ignition cartridge to ignite the propellent increments.

The number of increments used determines the charge number: "Charge 6" is the ignition cartridge and six increments; "Charge 0" is the ignition cartridge only. In appearance, the ignition cartridge resembles a standard shotgun shell, except for a slight bulge in its case. This bulge assures a forced fit and retains the ignition cartridge within the shaft of the fin assembly.

Point detonating fuzes M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, MP-82, and MP-M are used with this round.

Characteristics

Caliber: 82mm (3.23 in)

Weight of complete round: 3.15kg (6.95 lbs)

Weight of propellant: 86.9g (3.04 oz)

Type of filled: Schneiderite/TNT

Weight of filler: 0.41kg (0.91 lb)

Maximum number of increments: 6

Packaging

The illustrated packing box has a capacity of 10 fuzed 82mm fragmentation mortar shells, O-832, with a sufficient number of ignition cartridges and propellent increments for all zones of fire. The box is of sturdy construction, usually of a soft wood, with corners dove-tailed or reinforced by metal straps or angles. Shells are held in place by contour blocking. The O-832 mortar shell also may be packed in the three-round metal "combat" box.

Markings﻿ shown in the above illustration will not be found on all boxes containing O-832 shells, but are typical of those which may be encountered.

82mm Mortar Shell, Frag, O-832D

This fragmentation mortar shell, O-832D, is fired from the various 82mm battalion mortars. It differs from the O-832 fragmentation mortar shell in having a fin assembly with 10 fins instead of 6, and in using ring- or doughnut-shaped propellent increments rather than boat-shaped.

The ring-shaped increments are placed around the shaft of the fin assembly, directly over the flash holes, in order that they may receive the maximum flash from the ignition cartridge. One ring-shaped propellent increment, as used on this shell, is equivalent to two boat-shaped increments, as used on the O-832; thus, three ring-shaped increments comprise the full charge. The two types of increments are not interchangeable between these two shells.

Fuzes M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, MP-82, and MP-M are used in this shell.

Characteristics

Caliber: 82mm (3.23 in)

Weight of complete round: 3.15kg (6.95 lbs)

Weight of propellant: 86.9g (3.04 oz)

Type of filled: Amatol 90/10

Weight of filler: 0.41kg (0.91 lb)

Maximum number of increments: 3

Packaging

The illustrated packing box has a capacity of 10 fuzed 82mm fragmentation mortar shells, O-832D, plus a sufficient number of ignition cartridges and propellent increments for all zones of fire. The box is of sturdy construction, usually of a soft wood, with corners dove-tailed or reinforced by metal straps or angles.

The shells are held in place by contour blocking. The rounds in this box have been renovated and repacked, as indicated by the Russian abbreviation "PEM" (REM). The O-832D shells may also be found in the three-round "combat" box.

82mm Mortar Shell, Smoke, D-832

This smoke mortar shell, D-832, is fired from the various 82mm battalion mortars. It can be distinguished from fragmentation shells by the "Д" (D) preceding the numerals in its code number, by a half-inch-wide black band just below the bourrelet, and by the adapter in the ogive. (It appears that the fragmentation shell, O-832, was modified to take this adapter, which contains the fuze and bursting charge.)

In other respects, this shell closely resembles the fragmentation shell, O-832; the same type of propellent increments and fin assembly are used, and the outward appearance is similar. The smoke shell is heavier than the fragmentation shell, however, and its range is slightly less.

The shell body contains a smoke-producing agent, usually yellow phosphorus, and a burster

The propellent increments "Z-832", and the ignition cartridges "Zh-832", are used to propel this shell.

In addition to using this shell for screening purposes, the Soviets also use it in an anti-personnel role, as its fragmentation effect is only 35 to 40 percent less than that of fragmentation shells. The shell is of additional tactical importance because of its incendiary effect against personnel and materiel.

Characteristics

Caliber: 82mm (3.23 in)

Weight of complete round: 3.66kg (8.07 lbs)

Weight of propellant: 50g (2 oz)

Type of filled: Phosphorus/Schneiderite/TNT

Weight of filler: 0.066kg (0.15 lb)

Maximum number of increments: 6

Packaging

The illustrated packing box has a capacity of three fuzed 82mm smoke mortar shells, D-832, with ignition cartridges, and with propellent increments attached to the fin assembly. Additional increments may be carried in cylinders which are clipped to the lid.

The box is constructed of stamped sheet metal, has a hinged lid, finger-tip pressure catches, and carrying handles. This container is known as the "combat" box because it is so easily transported to the weapon site by man-pack. The box may or may not be marked.

The D-832 smoke mortar shell is also packed in 5- and 10-round wooden boxes.

82mm Mortar Shell, Propaganda, A-832

This propaganda leaflet mortar shell is fired from the various 82mm battalion mortars. This mortar shell can be identified by its semi-conical nose, elongated body, and time fuze. Soviet documents indicate that the nose and body of some propaganda leaflet mortar shells are painted red; however, some shells recovered have been unpainted.

The leaflets carried by this shell are enclosed in two metal half-cylinders in the shell body, and are expelled by a charge located between the time fuze and the leaflet containers. When the expelling charge acts against the leaflet containers, the fine threads attaching the fin assembly to the body are sheared off, allowing the leaflets to escape and scatter.

A powder-train type, setback-armed time fuze similar in appearance to the Soviet 45-sec time fuze, is used in this shell. Propellent increments and the ignition charge used with this shell are similar to those used for the O-832 and D-832 shells.

Characteristics

Caliber: 82mm (3.23 in)

Weight of complete round: 4.5kg (9.9 lbs)

Weight of propellant: 50g (2 oz)

Type of filled: Propaganda leaflets

Weight of filler: 0.01kg (0.02 lb)

Maximum number of increments: 6

Packaging

The illustrated packing box has a capacity of three fuzed 82mm propaganda shells, A-832, with ignition cartridges, and with propellent increments attached to the fin assembly. Additional increments may be carried in cylinders which are clipped to the lid.

The box is constructed of stamped sheet metal, has a hinged lid, finger-tip pressure catches, and carrying handles. This container is known as the "combat" box because it is so easily transported to the weapon site by man-pack. The box may or may not be marked.

The A-832 propaganda leaflet shell is also packed in 5- and 10-round wooden boxes.

Monday, 17 August 2015

The Navy system of marking projectiles for all sizes over 40mm is relatively simple and reasonably consistent. Some discrepancies exist between the standard system and recovered specimens.

The following system applies to projectiles of over 40mm, but carries over in part into the marking of smaller-calibre ammunition.

Body Color - The main color of the projectile body indicates the basic type of shell.

Type of Projectile ----- Body Color

Japanese "Ordinary"* ----- Maroon

Armor-Piercing ----- White

Illuminating (Over 40cm) ----- Red

Illuminating (Under 40cm) ----- Blue

Shrapnel ----- Gray

Target ----- Green

Smoke Tracer ----- Orange

Practice ----- Black

Incendiary-Shrapnel ----- Red with identifying characters

* Japanese classification "Ordinary" includes Common and capped Common projectiles as well as various designs of H.E. projectiles.

Color of nose - Certain additional information is indicated by the painting of the nose of the projectile as follows:

1. Green Nose - Indicates "explosive-filled". Specific identify of explosive is not made. Black Powder as well as H.E. is marked in this way.

2. Red Tip on Green Nose - Indicates "base-fuzed", but is not when ammunition is of fixed type.

3. Yellow Nose - Indicates "practice use". This is applied to standard practice projectiles, painted black, and may also be used to indicate projectiles converted from service types. Projectiles converted for practice retain their original painting except for the yellow nose.

The length of the green or yellow tip is 100mm for 12cm guns and larger, 50mm for 10- and 8-cm guns, 15mm for 6cm and smaller.

The length of the red tip is exactly half that of the green.

Center of gravity - The center of gravity of larger projectiles is indicated by a color band painted at the appropriate position near the middle of the body. The color band is varied to contrast with the color of the projectile body.

Color of projectile body ---- Color of Band ---- Width of Band

Maroon or Blue ---- Yellow ---- 50mm for projectiles 20cm and above

White ---- Red ---- 20mm for 15.5cm (and under)

Black ---- White ---- 10mm on all sizes

The center of gravity is not required to be marked on projectiles of 15cm and under, but where projectiles of these sizes already bear the color band at the point of balance (apparently from earlier requirements) repainting is not required.

Additional features of painting:

1. A black band painted on the lower edge of a projectile cap indicates a design of cap designated "Type 3-year cap"

2. Fuzes and rotating bands normally are not painted. The bourrelet is consistently painted.

3. The portion of the body between the rotating band and the base is left unpainted in projectiles of fixed ammunition, but is painted on projectiles of semi-fixed ammunition.

4. Dummy plugs resembling fuzes have the tips painted with black lacquer to distinguish them from fuzes.

Accessory markings - Type numbers or other characters are sometimes stenciled on the ogival portion of the projectile as a further aid in identification. Some of these markings are:

Filling data - On Navy projectiles of the larger sizes (8cm and above), the dates of manufacture and filling are painted or stenciled around the body of the projectile just above the rotating band, and again on the base of the projectile.

This marking usually consists of the following data in sequence as given (beginning at the right of the widest space and reading around the projectile to the right).

Rotating band marking - Certain information pertaining to the manufacture of the projectile body itself is stamped into the rotating band. A typical example follows:

Paper labels - Typically, but not without exception, there are two paper labels appearing externally on Navy ammunition, an oval one giving projectile data, and a square one giving propellant data. Both carry valuable information on the ammunition components, and may be read at least partially without knowledge of Japanese.

In fixed ammunition both labels appear on the projectile. In semi-fixed ammunition, the oval label appears on the projectile and the square propellant label is glued to the metal disc in the top of the propellant case. In both types, the propellant label is duplicated by a cloth label sewed to the bag enclosing the powder sticks.

Bursting charge label - The bursting charge for most Navy projectiles is cast in a paper container and inserted in the projectile as a separate unit and is held in place by paraffin.

A circular label on the bottom of the explosive charge carries the following data:

Color System for Small-Caliber Projectiles﻿

Certain features of marking of large-caliber projectiles carry over into the marking of smaller sizes, but in general, sizes of 40mm and under follow no single standard identification system and are best considered as individual groups.

40mm Automatic Anti-Aircraft Weapon

This ammunition follows the large-caliber system in general.

-Maroon with green tip: High Explosive

-White with green tip: Armor-Piercing (H.E. Filled)

-Orange: Tracer

30mm Aircraft Cannon

This ammunition follows a system independent of the large-caliber code, but common to 20mm Navy ammunition which is likewise for aircraft cannon. Color of projectile body indicates type of projectile.

-Maroon: High Explosive

-Red: H.E. Tracer

-Yellow (greenish): H.E.I. (W.P.)

-Black with red nose, fuzeless: Tracer

-White: Armor-Piercing

A new trend in the painting of 30mm projectiles is to leave the body unpainted except for an identifying color band immediately behind the nose fuze.

25mm Automatic Anti-Aircraft Weapon

This ammunition follows the large-caliber system in part. Green tipping to indicate the presence of explosive filling was followed in H.E. and H.E. tracer projectiles of earlier manufacture, but apparently has been abandoned in more recent lots.

-Maroon (with or without green tip): High Explosive

-Red (with or without green tip): H.E. Tracer. Later lots only are self-destroying.

Monday, 10 August 2015

This incendiary round is fired from the 76mm regimental gun (howitzer) M1943. The M1943 is obsolete in the Soviet Army but is standard in the Polish, Bulgarian, Czechoslovak, and Albanian Armies, and may also be found in Rumania and Yugoslavia.

The illustrated round is not interchangeable with standard ammunition used in other 76mm weapons. It is used to ignite such targets as timber structuresm, forested areas, and fueld and ammunition dumps.

Its projectile contains nine blocks of an incendiary thermite composition, and a black powder bursting charge. The T-6 fuze, with an adapter, is used with the Z-350 projectile in this round.

Note. The dimensions and markings on the cartridge case in the above illustration have not been verified.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: ?kg (? lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.24kg (13.73 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ?kg (? lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Incendiary composition and black powder

Weight of projectile explosive filler: 0.015kg (0.033 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs approximately 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition also may be packed in a 6-round box weighing 70kg (154 lbs), or in an 8-round box weighing 94kg (207 lbs).

76mm Complete Round, Fixed, Incendiary, UZ-352

This Soviet incendiary round is fired from the 76mm mountain gun (howitzer) M1909. It is used to ignite such targets as wooden structures, forested areas, and fuel and ammunition dumps. Its long-range steel projectile contains nine blocks of an incendiary thermite composition which generates a heat of 2,500 to 3,000 degrees centigrade.

When the fuze functions, its flash first ignites quick-matches in the incendiary blocks, and then ignites the bursting charge which expels the incendiary composition.

The T-6 fuze, with adapter, is used with the Z-350 projectile in this round.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: ?kg (? lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.25kg (13.76 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.08kg (2.38 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Incendiary composition and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: 0.015kg (0.033 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated wooden container has a capacity of five rounds. When packed, the case weighs from 54.7 to 57kg (121 to 125 lbs).

It is used to ignite timber structures, forested areas, fuel and ammunition dumps, and other inflammable targets. Its projectile contains nine blocks of an incendiary thermite composition, and a black powder bursting charge.

The T-6 fuze, with an adapter, is used with the Z-350 projectile in this round.

Note. All complete rounds of the "353" series (that is, all rounds with the number "353" as a component of their code number) contain a reduced propellent charge.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: 8.24kg (18.13 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.24kg (13.73 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 0.45kg (1 lb)

Type of projectile filler: Incendiary composition and black powder

Weight of projectile explosive filler: 0.015kg (0.033 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs approximately 58kg (128 lbs). This ammunition also may be packed in a 6-round box weighing approximately 70kg (155 lbs), or in an 8-round box weighing approximately 94kg (207 lbs).

It is used to ignite timber structures, forested areas, fuel and ammunition dumps, and other inflammable targets. Its projectile contains nine blocks of an incendiary thermite composition, and a black powder bursting charge.

The T-6 fuze, with an adapter, is used with the Z-350 projectile in this round.

The complete round UZ-354S, with a Z-354S projectile using a D, 22P, or 22PG fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round. Its projectile is of an old deisgn, with one bourrelet and a short, bluntly rounded ogival section. Moreover, the unfuzed length of the Z-354S is greater than that of the Z-350. The UZ-354S complete round is fired from the same weapons as the UZ-354.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: 8.88kg (19.45 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.24kg (13.73 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.08kg (2.38 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Incendiary composition and black powder

Weight of projectile explosive filler: 0.015kg (0.033 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs about 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition may also be found in 6- or 8-round wooden boxes, weighing respectively 70kg (155 lbs) and 94kg (207 lbs).

76mm Complete Round, Fixed, Smoke, UD-352

This smoke round is fired from the 76mm mountain gun (howitzer) M1909. Smoke rounds are used by the Soviets for denying observation to enemy firing points and observation posts, for laying wide smoke screens over entire sectors, for target spotting, and for other purposes. The common smoke compositions used in Soviet smoke rounds are phosphorus, sulfur trioxide, and chloride of tin.

Although the pricipal use of phosphorus is to produce smoke, it is an incendiary and casualty agent as well. It ignites spontaneously upon contact with air and continues to burn even when embedded in the flesh. The D-350 long-range steel projectile shown in the above drawing contains a yellow phosphorus smoke composition and a TNT bursting charge.

The UD-352 complete round may be found with either the D-350 or the D-352 projectile. The KTM-2 fuze is used with these projectiles in this round. As a component of other complete rounds, however, the D-350 is also used with a KT-2 fuze.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: ?kg (? lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.53kg (14.38 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ?kg (? lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Yellow phosphorus and TNT burster

Weight of projectile explosive filler:

-Phosphorus: 0.6kg (1.32 lbs)

-TNT: 0.08kg (0.176 lb)

Packaging

This ammunition is packed in wooden packing boxes containing five rounds each. When it is packed, the box weighs from 54.7 to 57kg (121 to 125 lbs).

Note. The markings on the above-illustrated packing box have not been taken from the actual item but represent a typical example.

Smoke rounds are used by the Soviets for denying observation to enemy firing points and observation posts, for laying wide smoke screens over entire sectors, for target spotting, and for other purposes. The common smoke compositions used in Soviet smoke rounds are phosphorus, sulfur trioxide, and chloride of tin.

Although the pricipal use of phosphorus is to produce smoke, it is an incendiary and casualty agent as well. It ignites spontaneously upon contact with air and continues to burn even when embedded in the flesh. The D-350 long-range steel projectile shown in the above drawing contains a yellow phosphorus smoke composition and a TNT bursting charge.

The KT-2 and KTM-2 fuzed are used with the D-350 projectile in this round.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: 9.15kg (20.13 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.53kg (14.38 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.08kg (2.38 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Yellow phosphorus and TNT burster

Weight of projectile explosive filler:

-Phosphorus: 0.6kg (1.32 lbs)

-TNT: 0.08kg (0.176 lb)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs about 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition also may be found in a 6-round wooden box weighing about 70kg (154 lbs), or in an 8-round wooden box weighing about 94kg (207 lbs).

This type of ammunition is used to harass enemy troops and to contamintate areas; it has a fragmentation as well as a toxic effect. The KTM-1 fuze is used with the OKh-350 projectile in this round.

According to documentary evidence, a variant of the illustrated round exists, and is known as the UOKh-353M; no detailed information on this round is available.

In most cases, gas rounds are identified by color markings, as well as by their code numbers. The blue and green bands on the projectile shown above are thought to signify gas and explosive fillers.

Cartridge cases containing a reduced charge may have one or two black bands around the neck, or may be without any color bands.

Note. All complete rounds of the "353" series (that is, all rounds with the number "353" as a component of their code number) contain a reduced propellent charge.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: 8.23kg (18.12 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.23kg (13.71 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ?kg (? lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Gas and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: ?kg (? lbs)

Packaging

The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs approximately 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition may also be packed in a 6-round box weighing approximately 70kg (154 lbs) or in an 8-round box weighing about 94kg (207 lbs).

This type of ammunition is used to harass enemy troops and to contamintate areas; it has a fragmentation as well as a toxic effect. The KTM-1 fuze is used with the OKh-350 projectile in this round.

According to documentary evidence, a variant of the illustrated round exists, and is known as the UOKh-354M; no detailed information on this round is available.

In most cases, gas rounds are identified by color markings, as well as by their code numbers. The blue and green bands on the projectile shown above are thought to signify gas and explosive fillers.

Note. Information on the UOKh-354 complete round is based only on documentary data which could not be verified.

Characteristics

Calibre: 76mm (3 in)

Weight of complete round: 8.8kg (19.5 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 6.23kg (13.71 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ?kg (? lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Gas and explosive

Weight of projectiler filler: ?kg (? lbs)

Packaging

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﻿The illustrated 5-round wooden box weighs about 58kg (128 lbs) when packed. This ammunition may also be found in 6-round wooden boxes with a gross weight of 70kg (154 lbs), or in 8-round wooden boxes weighing 94kg (207 lbs).